The poor to indict those with "deaf ears" on Human Rights Violations

Shelter is a Human Right.

The Poor to Indict "deaf ears" in County Legislature for Human Rights Violations

Who: Poor People United (PPU) is a multi-racial group of the poor and homeless who are committed to ending poverty in America. Students, labor, social workers, and people of faith support their work. They formed in May to fight for their basic Human Rights necessary to their survival.

Background: PPU has been trying desperately to open a non-exclusive Emergency Hypothermia Shelter in Rochester. They want to fix-up and run the shelter themselves saving the lives of other poor people. The shelter(s) could be run seasonally, staffed by PPU and as simple as using one of the many empty housing units in Rochester.

Since April PPU has been taking its voices to County Legislators but has found "deaf ears" as Charles Kellum put it. "Many of these deaf ears passed a budget last Thursday, which cut 5 million dollars from 13 ½ social services that kept many people off the street and out of the cold."

The day after thanksgiving PPU attempted to open its own shelter by entering an abandoned building unused for 6 years. 5 were arrested peacefully and are due in court December 12. "Even jail is warmer than the street, we don't know how we're going to win but we have to, not just for us but for everyone that could end up in the cold."

What: PPU to indict the "deaf ears" of County Legislature for Human Rights Violations. They intend to speak louder to anyone who will listen.

Where/When: 4:30 Tuesday December 9th in front of City Hall, immediately before a Human Rights solidarity vigil.